To Good Youth Health

By Coralie Wilson

Let's face it, everyone has problems! Problems are normal! Problems are a part of life for all of us. Many we can manage by ourselves. Some are so normal we fix them before we even know we've got them. But others, well others, even if they seem small, these problems can make our stomachs churn, our hearts race and our world feel like it's caving in.

Feelings like these are common if you're a teenager. The high school years and the years immediately after high school are full of change and problems that you've never faced before. Being a teenager brings body changes, thought changes, new relationships and decisions that need to be made about life and the person you want to be. Sometimes problems that may seem small can make you feel, well, just awful.

Getting the right kind of help for your kind of problem can help you feel better sooner. Sometimes when teenagers feel bad, instead of getting help, they push people away. Sometimes teenagers feel that non-one can understand them. And sometimes, teenagers feel that help just won't help. The news is great. A doctor does understand and a doctor can help with lots of different problems!

Most of us know that a doctor can help with physical problems like sports injuries, rashes or acne. But did you know a doctor can help with emotional problems? If you can't sleep, have problems with drugs or alcohol, or just feel "stressed out" or upset, a doctor is one of the best people you can ask for help. It takes courage to talk to anyone about problems. Decide that you deserve to feel happy and well. Take the plunge! Talk with your doctor!

There are a few things you can do to get the most out of your trip to the doctor:

  • Know your background. Know about any illnesses or operations you have had, any medications you are taking, any allergies your have, and any family members who have had any serious illness.

  • Know your problem. When did the problem start? If there is pain, what is it like? Does anything make the pain better or worse?

  • Make a list of questions for the doctor. Make sure you understand the doctor's explanation of your problem. Ask about treatment. Ask about side effects it may have.

  • Make sure you tell the doctor if you can't follow the treatment plan and discuss an alternative.

  • Tell your doctor if you have worries about your problem. Some people are afraid that their problem may mean something serious, like cancer of heart disease. It is important to tell the doctor about your worries so they can explain more about your problem.

  • And finally, be prepared to come back to make sure things are going okay.

As you've heard it said, "see your doctor first, make it a general practice". Here's to good youth health!